Ball launching device

Abstract

A ball launcher of the type that includes a piston slidable in a launch tube to increase air pressure behind a ball loaded into a front end of the launcher includes a launch tube of an outwardly flared construction to a diameter greater than the diameter of the ball loaded into the launcher. The outwardly flared end has an inwardly directed peripheral ledge defining an aperture smaller than the ball diameter. A spring located within the flared end biases the loaded ball against the ledge to create and maintain a pneumatic seal between the ball and ledge prior to launch.

1. In a ball launcher of the type that includes a piston slidable in a launch tube to increase air pressure behind a ball loaded into a front end of the launcher, the improvement comprising the front end for the launch tube being flared outwardly from a diameter of the tube to a diameter greater than a diameter of the ball loaded into the launcher, the outwardly flared end having an inwardly directed peripheral ledge defining an aperture smaller than the ball diameter, a spring for biasing the loaded ball within the flared end against the ledge to create and maintain a pneumatic seal between the ball and ledge prior to launch, and a cap located at a forward end of the spring to contact the loaded ball. 
     
     
       2. The improvement of  claim 1  wherein the loaded ball is of a hollow construction, constructed of LDP, and with an internal pressure of between 20 and 30 psi. 
     
     
       3. The improvement of  claim 1  wherein the ledge has a continuous corner arranged for sealing contact with the loaded ball. 
     
     
       4. In a ball launcher of the type that includes a piston slidable in a launch tube to increase air pressure behind a ball loaded into a front end of the launcher, the improvement comprising the front end for the launch tube being flared outwardly from a diameter of the tube to a diameter greater than a diameter of the ball loaded into the launcher, the outwardly flared end defining an aperture smaller than the ball diameter, and means for biasing the loaded ball within the flared end against the ledge to create and maintain a pneumatic seal between the loaded ball and ledge prior to launch, the loaded ball being of a hollow construction, constructed of LDP, and with an internal pressure of between 20 and 30 psi. 
     
     
       5. The improvement of  claim 4 , wherein the ledge has a continuous corner arranged for sealing contact with the loaded ball.